Forum Discussion

SUMRX4's avatar
SUMRX4
Explorer
Oct 21, 2019

suggestions on models

I am looking to "upgrade" my RV. I would really like a fifth wheel because of the ease of handling and maneuverability. My TV is a 2003 Super duty with the 6.0 diesel. Its a diesel but with it's age it's towing capacity is only 12,500lbs. I am having trouble finding 5er's under that weight that aren't designed as 1/2ton towable. My issue with 1/2 ton 5ers is I'm 6'2" tall and they all seem to have very low ceiling heights in the bedroom. Does anyone have any suggestions for a model within my tow specs that has a full height ceiling up front?
  • WTP-GC's avatar
    WTP-GC
    Explorer
    Oct 23, 2019
    Our Grand Design 290BH has about 6’-6” or maybe 6’-8” max height in the bedroom, except for the step right near the bed. So basically, you can maneuver around around the BR just fine, but have to crouch right before getting in the bed. I’m 6’-3” and this is no problem at all. Our rig is marketed as a 1/2 ton towable, but it runs up into the 11K range when loaded.
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Oct 23, 2019
    SUMRX4 wrote:
    I am looking to "upgrade" my RV. I would really like a fifth wheel because of the ease of handling and maneuverability. My TV is a 2003 Super duty with the 6.0 diesel. Its a diesel but with it's age it's towing capacity is only 12,500lbs. I am having trouble finding 5er's under that weight that aren't designed as 1/2ton towable. My issue with 1/2 ton 5ers is I'm 6'2" tall and they all seem to have very low ceiling heights in the bedroom. Does anyone have any suggestions for a model within my tow specs that has a full height ceiling up front?


    As usual, it's not the towing capacity, it's the PAYLOAD that's the limiting factor.

    Lyle
  • Braces's avatar
    Braces
    Explorer
    Oct 22, 2019
    Some Montana High Country models would be in your range. My 305 RL is in the 12,500 loaded range and pulls easily with my 2013 Ram 2500diesel
  • SUMRX4's avatar
    SUMRX4
    Explorer
    Oct 22, 2019
    cougar28 wrote:
    Our Jayco HT has a 74" bedroom height. I'm also 6'2" and have no problem with it. Maybe I just got use to our old 5er we had for 17 years that was way lower.


    Apparently different models/years are built different. I was in an HT a couple weeks back and while it was higher than some others I had looked at it wasn't tall enough for me to comfortable.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Oct 22, 2019
    1/2 ton towable is a marketing term that has nothing to do with actual weights and sizes. Plus 12k is beyond 1/2ton trucks.

    Our current 5er is GVWR around 12k lb. I think it's considered mid-height for the bedroom. I'm also 6'2" and just fit...but in the main living area, I can't even touch the ceiling.
  • afidel's avatar
    afidel
    Explorer II
    Oct 22, 2019
    SUMRX4 wrote:
    I am looking to "upgrade" my RV. I would really like a fifth wheel because of the ease of handling and maneuverability. My TV is a 2003 Super duty with the 6.0 diesel. Its a diesel but with it's age it's towing capacity is only 12,500lbs. I am having trouble finding 5er's under that weight that aren't designed as 1/2ton towable. My issue with 1/2 ton 5ers is I'm 6'2" tall and they all seem to have very low ceiling heights in the bedroom. Does anyone have any suggestions for a model within my tow specs that has a full height ceiling up front?


    I'm 6'3" and had no problem with the bedroom in the Cougar half ton we looked at. Brochure says 7' ceiling but if I remember correctly that's max height in the bedroom.
  • cougar28's avatar
    cougar28
    Explorer
    Oct 22, 2019
    Our Jayco HT has a 74" bedroom height. I'm also 6'2" and have no problem with it. Maybe I just got use to our old 5er we had for 17 years that was way lower.
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Oct 22, 2019
    A fiver approaching 12,000# is not 'half ton towable', I don't care what anyone says. I feel your pain though, at 6' I am cramped for space in the nose too.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Oct 22, 2019
    The term you are looking for in your search is "Full Profile" Fifth Wheel. "Full Profile" will give you the 6 (plus) foot front you are looking for. Sorry, I cannot give you anything specific on a make/model/year that would have a full profile front and still be 1/2 ton towable.

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